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Thursday, May 31, 2007

"In a short "Facts & Fears" article, the American Council on Science and Health suggests that Bt corn and other GM crops could be safer than organic ones.

Authors L. Andrew Staehelin (University of Colorado) and David A. Christopher (University of Hawaii) state that organic foods are often presented to consumers as representing the ultimate standard in food safety and healthfulness, an image which is used to justify premium prices.

They also suggest that the organics industry campaigns against GM crops on the basis that they are unnatural creations of technology which are bad for health and the environment.

Citing a number of studies published in peer-reviewed journals, Staehelin and Christopher say such claims have little merit and that in many ways, GM crops are safer than organic ones.

"Organic food, taken over by big business, has become an assembly-line product marketed as 'yuppie chow' for the privileged, a Canadian researcher says.

Multinational food-processing giants such as ConAgra Foods, Cargill, Kraft Foods, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo now own most organic brands, Irena Knezevic of Toronto`s York University said in advance of a presentation she will make to social science scholars Friday.

While the food may meet organic standards, it is prepared, packaged, shipped and marketed in ways that are anathema to organic agriculture`s essence, which includes 'environmentalism, resistance to corporate globalization and the `back-to-the-land` movement, Knezevic said."

"The Department of Agriculture said in a press release it is tapping the growing global market for organic and halal foods to boost the profitability of Filipino farmers and raise more revenues from agro-fishery exports.

Secretary Arthur Yap said the market for organic foods alone is growing at a rate of eight percent annually worldwide, even if these products can be 30 percent more expensive than regular and processed food items."

"Broomfield-based WhiteWave Foods Co. will sell its tofu and meat-alternative business to the Hain Celestial Group for an undisclosed amount, the companies said Wednesday.

The deal, expected to close next month, will take WhiteWave out of the tofu business for the first time since Boulder entrepreneur Steve Demos started the company in 1977.

Demos built the business on tofu and Silk soymilk products, selling to Dallas-based Dean Foods Co. in 2002 for $204 million. Two years later, Dean paid $216 million to acquire Horizon Organic Dairy, and eventually combined the units under the WhiteWave umbrella.

Once the sale closes, WhiteWave will focus on building its four remaining key brands: Silk, Horizon Organic, International Delight and Land O'Lakes, said spokeswoman Molly Keveney."

"The town of Valencia, the little Baguio of Negros Oriental, has intensified its campaign to promote organic farming by training farmers on how to produce organic fertilizers using vermicomposting, the process of organic wastes using earthworms to produce organic fertilizers.

Municipal Agricuturist Recil Vincoy said this effort would make Valencia the first fully organic producing town in the province in line with the provincial government’s effort to achieve 10 percent in its organic farming efforts by year 2010."

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

"EcoSMART, the leading botanical, organic pesticide, goes on sale this week in local Wal-Mart stores. Flying Insect, Ant & Roach, and Wasp & Hornet Killers — retailing for less than $4 a can — are as effective and as affordable as conventional insecticides, but are safe for kids, pets and the environment. EcoSMART is a local company with its headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia.

"Many people have concerns about health and safety when using insecticides in and around the house. With EcoSMART, which is made entirely of food-grade ingredients, they can stop worrying,” said Steve Bessette, founder of EcoSMART. “EcoSMART kills as quickly and effectively as leading pesticides. We are excited to offer this proven, affordable, environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional insecticides at retail stores for the first time."

"The benefits of growing your own vegetable garden are known by many. Fresh food is available for the plucking and preserved food is available during the non-growing seasons. An organic garden is also an option for the gardener."

"In response to a government plan to ease the requirement that locally produced organic crops be pesticide-free, the Consumers' Foundation (CF) said Tuesday that it strongly opposes the move out of concern over food safety.

CF Chairman Cheng Jen-hung made the comments after Agriculture and Food Agency Director-General Huang Yu-tsai visited him to tout the change. The agency is a unit under the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture (COA).

According to Huang, his agency is planning to follow the U.S. model by permitting local crops that contain no more than 5 percent in chemical residue of the standard safety levels set by the public health authorities to carry "organic" stickers.This would mark an easing of the existing zero-residue tolerance."

"Just as certified organic tomatoes and tofu have made themselves a comfortable home in mainstream grocery stores, a new term is creeping into the consciousness of the farm-to-food elite.

Biodynamic farming is a 90-year-old concept with an almost cult-like following reminiscent of organic before it exploded. The practice takes organic techniques of bolstering soil health and avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides and goes a few steps further with the aim of not only using the land sustainably but actively “healing” past damage."

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

"ECONOMIC analysis of organic farming has shown that Family Farm Income is 14pc higher on organic farms than conventional farms.

Liam Connolly, head of Teagasc's National Farm Survey Unit, told the National Organic Conference in Tullamore that organic farmers were also retaining more of their Single Farm Payment when compared with conventional farmers.

"We compared a conventional and an organic cattle rearing farm and there was a 30pc increase in the value of Single Farm Payment retained by the organic farmers," he said.

"And while total sales were less from the organic farm, their direct costs and overhead costs were also less when compared with conventional farming."

If air-freighted produce is banned from being considering organic in the UK, what will happen to the companies that depend on flight for their livelihood? More importantly, does it even matter? Shouldn't we be more considered about the environment and our impact on the world than keeping businesses opened?

"Blue Skies, which exports pre-cut ready-to-eat fruit from Ghana, is cited by those opposing a complete air freight ban. The company's business is totally dependent on air freight.

"Blue Skies' achievements are seen as a model for development. In (Ghana's) Central Region, the company has provided access to drinking water and built roads, enabling farmers to trade and send their children to school," the Soil Association said in a statement.

The consultation indicated that any ban would be introduced over a number of years."

"The majority of UK consumers do not care if their wine is organic or Fairtrade, and do not understand what biodynamic means, says a new study.

Market research firm Wine Intelligence asked 2000 regular wine drinkers for their views on wine that is produced with consideration to social, ethical and environmental issues.

Both qualitative and quantitative results revealed a great deal of confusion and mistrust about the terminology applied to such wines. The study revealed that while most people understand the concept of Fairtrade, some believe that all wine is organically produced, and at least one consumer thought organic wine meant vegetarian."

Monday, May 28, 2007

"A uniform set of procedures for growing and marketing organic produce has been established for East Africa and will be introduced by the Prime Minister of Tanzania at a conference to be held in Dar es Salaam from May 8th to June 1st 2007.

The East African Organic Products Standard (EAOS) is the second regional organic standard in the world, following that developed by the European Union. The EAOS and associated East African Organic Mark will ensure to consumers that produce so labeled has been grown in accordance with a standardized method based on traditional methods supplemented by scientific knowledge, and based on ecosystem management rather than the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. As organic produce generally sells at premium prices in rapidly growing overseas markets, it is hoped that the standard will increase sales and profits for small farmers in the region."

"SU AZIZ undertakes living, consuming and believing in all things organic. For just 10 days.EAT organic foods and help save the environment.That’s been Callie Tai’s rallying cry now for eight years, and the reason she’s in the organic food and health-care business.

“Going organic is not just for health, but it is also for our environment. Did you know that? Through eating, we can save the environment,” says the chief executive ofthe justlife organic stores.

Her introduction to an organic life came in Singapore in the late 90s where Callie, an accountant, was then working.

She quickly became a convert, and so too her sister Jacqueline and brother Terence.They had enough confidence to go into the business of selling all things organic with a tiny shop in SS2, Petaling Jaya called justlife in 1999. “It was only half a shop lot."

"What I'm wondering is whether the produce sold as organic in huge grocery or discount chains, easily identifiable by asking to see the shipping containers, can conform to our own USDA standards when it comes from other countries and is almost never inspected. I don't see how that's possible, particularly in view of recent disclosures in the news about filthy and contaminated shipments from China."

"In its recent report on "World Organic Foods And Beverages Report (2006)" RNCOS has found that the Canadian organic food market is expected to grow at a CAGR value of almost 17.41% for the period spanning 2007-2011.

According to the data in a report that Certified Organics released on May 14, 2007, more than 50% of Canadian households purchased organically grown food during 2006. The most significant reason behind this switchover was Canadians’ worry regarding the presence of pesticides & fertilizers in conventionally grown foods.

Organic food & farming sector of Canada is less advanced in comparison to that of the US and various EU nations. After a surge of interest during late 1980s, govt. research & support in this sector has gone down. Though the industry continued to expand but quite sluggishly."

Sunday, May 27, 2007

"Like farmers across the country, southwest Washington dairyman Bill Goeres had been dismayed to learn about the tainted pet food and livestock feed ingredients that had come into this country from China.

So he was understandably shocked when a Cargill Animal Nutrition salesman recently told him that he could line him up with an independent broker who was offering organic soymeal from China. Last fall, the price had been about $200 per ton less than domestic soymeal, although the price has gone up since then.

The salesman, John Orange, said he's been to dairies in Oregon where he's seen organic soymeal from China, and one dairy farmer in Eastern Washington told him he had included Chinese soymeal in his feed ration.

"It sounds kind of scary," said Goeres, who is a conventional dairy farmer. "We're so stringent with our organic requirements in our own borders, but are we just as stringent for products coming in from outside our borders? How do consumers know?"

"Food flown into the UK could be stripped of its organic label if the Soil Association goes ahead with controversial plans to deal with major loopholes in its rulebook. The organisation - responsible for giving organic status to food sold in Britain - is considering the introduction of restrictions, or even a ban, on produce imported by air.

A ban, which would have widespread consequences for shoppers, is being considered because senior Soil Association executives have become increasingly worried that they are encouraging carbon-emitting flights into Britain."

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Information on the new 100 calorie cookie packs from Barbara's Bakery has been added to the website. These little cookies are perfect for anyone watching their figure and interested in organics. They are an organic dieter's dream! The other 100 calorie packs pale in comparison when it comes to ingredients. Flavors include chocolate, ginger and oatmeal. So many great new products to look for.

"New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer signed an executive order establishing a food policy council to increase sales of local agricultural products to consumers, with an emphasis on expanding the consumer market for organic foods.

The New York State Council on Food Policy will coordinate state agriculture policy and make recommendations on developing food policy to ensure the availability of safe, fresh, nutritious and affordable food for all New Yorkers, especially low income residents, senior citizens and children.

"Ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to safe, fresh and nutritious food is a top priority that the Council on Food Policy will be addressing head-on," said Spitzer. "The council will bring the public, producers and government together to explore ways in which we can improve our existing food production and delivery systems, expand capacity, and in particular, address the critical needs of children and low-income New Yorkers. Additionally, by expanding the sale of locally grown products, we can help struggling farmers, and expand the local agriculture and state economy."

"April marked the first US Congressional hearing devoted to organic agriculture, and organic industry members are asking for more spending on crop research and market development to keep up with the booming American preference for organic foods.

Representative Dennis Cardoza of California, chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, said, "This broad acceptance and perception of quality is a far cry from where organic food was 20 years ago."

"CLEARLY CANADIAN (OTCBB: CCBEF), is pleased to announce it has completed the acquisition of My Organic Baby Inc., Canada's first full nation wide line of organic baby food.

"My Organic Baby is an incredible opportunity and provides yet another vehicle for top line revenue growth for Clearly Canadian," stated Brent Lokash, President of Clearly Canadian. "Consumer spending on baby products has shown double digit growth during the last five years and more consumers are making the change to organic, especially where their children are concerned. Nothing is more important for a baby's positive development than healthy and nutritious food. With national retail distribution and its wide product offerings, My Organic Baby is in a great position to capture the family's desire for organic products for their children."

You may have heard about the organic sesame tahini recall earlier this month. The recall has spread to a few more products including the Whole Foods' 356 branded item.

"However, county officials said that people should check to make sure they do not eat any of three types if already bought: MaraNatha Sesame Tahini in 16-ounce jars with a "use by" date of 10/02/07 or earlier; MaraNatha Sesame Tahini in 15 or 32 pounds with a use-by date of 11/14/07 or earlier; and 365 Organic Everyday Value Sesame Tahini in 16-ounce jars with a "best buy" date of 10/02/07 or earlier."

"It's been seven months since Amy's Kitchen began production of its organic frozen food lines on Agate Road in White City.

The center of a high-profile tug-of-war between the governors of California and Oregon, Amy's proved to be the coup of the decade for the region's economic developers.

"Amy's Kitchen was ultimately very big," says Ron Fox, who assumed his post as Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc.'s executive director after the Santa Rosa, Calif., company's local expansion was signed and sealed.

"In its early stages I don't think that it was anticipated to be as large as it's become already. Amy's could still be much larger over time as their markets grow and operations expand."

"Europe's first Whole Foods Market is set to opening London in two weeks' time, but the vast potential of the organic market is being curtailed by a shortage of organic produce, according to Organic Monitor.

The US company currently has 193 outlets in its home country and in the UK, including its five Fresh and Wild stores in the UK. The new 80,000 sq ft store, which will take up two floors of a former department store, will open to much fan-fare on June 6.

But the opening was initially slated for August 2006, then postponed to February 2007. Organic Monitor analyst Amarjit Sahota told FoodNavigator.com that one of the major reasons behind the nine-month delay was the shortage of organic supplies: WFM simply could not fill its shelves."

La fourmi bionique Inc., an organic granola company from Quebec, was honored with the National Best Business Award 2007 by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation.

"The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), with National Bank Financial's generous support, celebrated individuals from across the country who contributed significantly to entrepreneurship in Canada at the Chairman's Awards Gala held last night at The Carlu in Toronto. CYBF proudly announced Quebecer Geneviève Gagnon, owner of La fourmi bionique Inc. as its 2007 National Best Business Award Winner.

"Winning the 2007 National Best Business Award and the 2007 Québec Best Business Award is encouraging and serves as a recognition which emphasizes our achievements and our social and economic contribution," said Geneviève Gagnon, whose company manufactures and markets handcrafted granola blends of food products containing natural and organic ingredients that are distributed to retail and high-profile institutional markets including some of the most prestigious hotels in Québec and the Ritz Paris hotel."

Thursday, May 24, 2007

"Budding organic farmers can blossom through a Kansas State University program.

Established in response to requests by area organic growers for a training program to increase numbers of local organic producers, the Growing Growers Training Program facilitates on-farm apprenticeships complemented by workshops on critical skills to train new growers and improve the skills of existing growers to meet large demand for local and organically grown produce in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

"Farming is a profession that requires multiple skills related to production, marketing and financial management," says Ted Carey, K-State vegetable specialist. "The Growing Growers Training Program provides training for new farmers as they enter the field, while also encouraging established farmers to improve such skills in response to changing circumstances and new information about sustainable farming practices."

"Horizon Organic® farmer-partner Forrest Stricker is passionate about organic dairy farming and recently had the opportunity to share his farming practices with Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16), a member of the House Organic Caucus. Congressman Pitts visited Spring Creek Farms, Stricker’s 400-acre farm in Wernersville, Pa., that has 150 cows and has been organic since 1999, to gain a better understanding of how organic farming promotes the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and agricultural sustainability.

“The organic food industry is rapidly growing, and that’s creating a great opportunity for organic farmers,” said Congressman Pitts. “Pennsylvania’s rich farmland is allowing local farmers like Forrest Stricker to meet this new demand, and I’m glad to support their efforts as a member of the House Organic Caucus.”

Horizon Organic, which helped to pioneer organic dairy farming practices 15 years ago, has helped hundreds of farmers like Stricker make the transition to organic milk production practices every year through the HOPE (Horizon Organic Producer Education) Program. Horizon Organic currently has nearly 167 farms in transition to organic."

The new store, located at 170 Lakeshore Rd. E., is a 14,000-sq.-ft. facility that sells 100 per cent certified organic produce, all-natural groceries, organic meats, fair trade coffee and chocolates as well as all-natural supplements and personal care products.

“There has been a wonderful shift in the way people view organic,” said Diane Shaskin, Planet Organic founder and vice-president. “I think it is because people are looking for ways to keep themselves one day healthier and one day younger. Everyone at some point has been touched by a health crisis and that's usually what moves them towards organic food.”

At the store, as in all the other Planet Organic stores across Canada, there's evidence of a holistic approach to embracing the organic philosophy — the store is cleaned using organic products, wind power is used to operate computers and the staff wears certified organic cotton and bamboo t-shirts manufactured in child labour-free environments. These and other initiatives are largely defined by the Eco Karma Committee, comprised of company employees, whose objective is to achieve the highest possible standards."

"The turnover of organic food in the Czech Republic grew by 250 million CZK and reached 760 million CZK (€ 27 million) in 2006, growing by impressive 49 %. The Czech organic food market was thus probably the fastest growing market in Europe last year. Figures come from the report “Czech Organic Food Market 2007”, which was published by Green marketing this month."

As the first Sino-foreign fair for organic food, the event is expected to promote long-term cooperation between Chinese and overseas organic food enterprises and create conditions for market expansion for clean food in China and abroad.

"Sharon Labchuk brought a tableload of organic goods to the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown Wednesday to illustrate the Green party’s pledge to restore the family farm by returning agriculture to its organic roots.

National Green Leader Elizabeth May caught the ferry to P.E.I. to join provincial leader Labchuk and a panel of candidates with links to the food system in order to make the pitch that organic food is not some fringe movement but a viable industry that can make farms profitable and sustainable on a scale appropriate to Prince Edward Island.

“These are all the kinds of products that we see in the new green economy for Prince Edward Island as being creators of jobs, protectors of the environment and rebuilders of rural communities,” Labchuk said."

I always hate it when people act like organic food is just some kind of movement or trend! It's no fad, it's a choice. In some cases, it's even a lifestyle. I don't understand why the media won't acknowledge that.

"Tending crops at WSU’s 3-acre organic food farm, Will Hollingberry enjoys being able to eat a carrot after pulling it right out of the earth — without worrying about pesticides, herbicides or other man-made chemicals.

Hollingberry, along with six other students, certified into the nation’s first organic agriculture degree at WSU and recently received scholarships totaling $10,000 dollars from Pacific Natural Foods, an Oregon company.

“I think it’s really cool that businesses are rallying behind the major and also that members of the greater community are also noticing and offering their support,” Hollingberry said.

Since the major was implemented last June, the program has attracted students wishing to help fill the growing demand for knowledge about organic foods, said Cathy Perillo, the program’s coordinator and professor of crop and soil sciences. Some students have specifically based their decisions to transfer to or enroll in WSU because of the new major. Some students, such as Hollingberry, were attracted from other areas of the agriculture department."

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

You know I'm always thrilled when Amy's comes out with new products. Well, today might just be my day. I went to their website and found an array of new products to look forward to.

First, there are the two new veggie burgers: the Bistro Burger and the Quarter Pound Burger. The Bistro Burger is both gluten and dairy-free while the Quarter Pound Burger is strong enough to handle the grill.

Next, there is the new Tortilla Casserole & Black Beans Bowl and the Southern Meal with Cornbread and Beans. The new Bowl is "delicious and might remind you of a bowl of “nachos” made with organic baked corn chips and melted cheddar and jack cheeses. Plus… an assortment of organic vegetables and our own homemade fresh tofu. On the side are delicately seasoned slow-cooked black beans, making this gluten free meal in a bowl thoroughly satisfying." The Southern Meal is a combination of swiss chard and collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes, sweet corn, and pinto beans. Sounds like a great, hearty meal to me!

But, there's still more! There has also been an addition to their great line of pizzas with a Margherita Pizza. "The handstretched crust is thinner than our usual crust, the simple sauce made from organic tomatoes, and best of all is the topping, fresh mozzarella cheese sprinkled with Parmesan and basil. They all combine to create a light, fresh tasting pizza that will delight you."

"Safeway introduced a line of organic baby and toddler food earlier this month, joining a growing number of supermarket chains looking to cash in on the organic food craze by offering their own labels. Angie Sheets of San Mateo brought her 15-month-old, Cody, to a photo shoot in Alameda on Tuesday, hoping her son would become the face on Safeway's advertising and promotional campaigns for O Organics."

"UGANDA'S export share of organic products to the world market has increased considerably and is the highest in Africa. The Coordinator of the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda, Mr Moses Muwanga said that although Africa produces only 1 percent of the world organic products, Uganda is the leading African country that is producing organic products both for the local and international markets.

"Thirty eight per cent of organic agriculture production in Africa is from Uganda, with over 50,000 certified organic farmers. This makes Uganda one of the countries with the highest comparative advantage for organic production in Africa.

Mr Muwanga said the number of organic export companies has also grown from 5 in 2001 to 22 by the end of 2005. In Africa, Tanzania comes second with 17 percent while South Africa produces 14 percent of organic agricultural products."

"Soil & Health is celebrating that the Fair Trading Act is being interpreted to mean that products called organic should be certified organic, following the release last night of Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s Review Report, again recommending the introduction of folic acid fortification to all but organic bread.

“The recommendation appears to mean that foods labelled ‘organic’, but not certified to be organic, will not be exempt. FSANZ has said that foods labelled 'natural' will not be exempt as they are not subject to certification criteria. However organic foods are to be exempt, as there are certification criteria against which they can be checked”, said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning."

"While organic farming is not a new movement (its roots can be traced to the 19th century), recent years have shown an unrivaled increase in popularity, and therefore, profits. Author and journalist Sam Fromartz will speak at the Library of Congress today at 11:30 a.m. about just that.

He witnessed the upward swing of organics firsthand years ago when he realized he spent a good deal of time and money shopping at Whole Foods. He wisely decided to purchase stock in the company.

"We started shopping at Whole Foods and I was so impressed by the store, their crowded parking lot, their lines and their prices that I ended up buying stock — this was in '97 or '98 — and the stock surprisingly kept going up when the whole market tanked in 2000," he says. "The tech stocks crashed, everything crashed, and Whole Foods kept chugging along. I was a business writer and I thought, 'Hmm, something's going on here.'"

Using his background as a business journalist, Fromartz began researching the organic food industry from a business perspective and wrote the book "Organic, Inc.," which saw its paperback release in March."

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

"Consumers are gaining awareness of the health enhancing effect of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, a rise in demand for organic fruits and vegetables can be observed. Although organic vegetables do not always have an appealing look yet, this aspect is improving as well. "Organically grown vegetables are gaining importance. I am certain that some day, organic vegetables will replace conventionally grown variants," says Raymond Wong of Origino."

"..Whole Foods said it hasn't decided which Henry's stores will stay open but said it will remodel and rebrand the ones it keeps. The Henry's locations provide a challenge in that for the most part, they are smaller than a typical Whole Foods, which ranges from 40,000 to 75,000 square feet.

..Speculation has included everything from Whole Foods remaking most of the Wild Oats and Henry's or perhaps selling some or all of the Henry's stores because their size and locations don't fit Whole Foods' plans.

..Despite the increased competition, Whalin said, most natural food stores should be able to fend off the supermarket chains because they know the business and have better contacts throughout the industry. Also, they serve a different clientele. Wal-Mart, for instance, has cut back on its ambitious plans to offer more organic products because its customers didn't want to spend the extra money.

"I don't ever see the mass-markets chains being a major player in the organic market," Whalin said. "They just don't do it that well."

"Richmond City Council will be asked this month to be the first municipality in Canada to endorse a policy on using certified organic free-range eggs in its city-run facilities, including the ice rink, the park and the café at city hall.

The shift to free-range-egg purchasing would run counter to the approach almost everywhere else in the country. About 98 per cent of the 6.9 billion eggs produced each year in Canada come from operations that keep chickens confined in cages.

However, earlier this year, Ontario's University of Guelph adopted a cage-free egg policy, becoming the first Canadian postsecondary institution to endorse the free-range eggs."

Don't have the time in the morning to brew a cup of organic coffee? Then Java Juice is right for you.

"Just in time for camping season, the Food Network's series Unwrapped features Java Juice(R), a "machine-less" liquid coffee essence. On the upcoming Unwrapped segment titled "On the Go," foodies will discover why the liquid concentrate was an immediate hit with the outdoor industry.

.."Until Java Juice, premium portable organic extract did not exist," explains Karno, who is also known for his commitment to progressive relationship coffee-purchasing practices. The extract is sourced only from fair traded, shade-grown, certified kosher, organic coffee beans. "With Java Juice(R), we have created an organic, socially responsible coffee product you can add water to, cook and travel with. What more could you ask for?" Karno said."

"Some very common bath products for both adults and children have been found to contain a cancer causing chemical.

That's according to a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report. We asked chemist Dr. Shelly Minteer exactly what this carcinogen is.

You won't find it on the ingredient label because it's a by product of another chemical that is listed.

The chemical listed is called sodium laureth sulfate. It's what causes your shampoo and bubble bath to foam, so it's in dozens of products.

The FDA reports that much of the carcinogen, called 1-4 dioxane, evaporates when it's used and doesn't pose a serious threat since the shampoos usually get washed off quickly. But the FDA sets no limits, so some products contain more of the chemical than others."

Bread in the UK might become just a little more synthetic if the addition of folic acid to flour becomes mandatory. The industry is surely considering it.

"The board of the government agency unanimously agreed on Thursday to recommend mandatory fortification of some foods with folic acid, following a final consultation with stakeholders and a positive opinion from the FSA's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).

..There is some evidence to show that folic acid could mask deficiency of other B vitamins in the elderly and there are also fears of the effects of large amounts of folic acid in young children.

Meanwhile organic bakers say that they cannot add a synthetic vitamin to their products that are by definition free of all additives."

I might be mistaken, but isn't this process already mandatory in America? I do think it's unfair to force organic bakers to fortify their products because they should be able to decide what goes into what they bake and sell.

"CAPE Town-born Moira Blake studied photography for a degree at Britain's Derby University. But now she makes her living making what is reported to be the world's only organic puff pastry - pastry that is rolled, folded, proofed and folded again until it achieves a mind-boggling 700 laminations.

And, yes, they have a way of counting all those layers.

Blake's pastry is sold at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, selected Waitrose and other premium outlets in the UK - and will be available locally for a few days at the Gourmet Festival's Good Food & Wine Show (Thursday to Sunday) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where Blake will have a stand."

"Organics Brasil, the first nationally sponsored program to export and promote organic products from Brazil, today announces the newest member of the Organics Brasil project, O.N.E™. World Enterprises, the producers of O.N.E.™ 100% Natural Coconut Water and O.N.E.™ Amazon Açaí.

"We are proud the addition of O.N.E to our line up of companies," states Ming Liu, Project Manager, Organics Brasil. "O.N.E. fully embodies the Organics Brasil vision and mission. It is a model for producing the highest quality products while maintaining its commitment to sustainability, organic farming, responsible packaging and philanthropy. O.N.E. is a leader in the natural and organic market and represents the best of Brazilian products currently available. We are honored to have them join the Project."

Sunday, May 20, 2007

"Nature’s Path Organic Foods, North America’s number one organic cereal brand, is announcing that it is converting over 50 of its boxed cereals to the new EnviroBox™, a 10 percent reduction in packaging that saves water, energy and paperboard.“We are committed to sustainability and showing leadership through constant innovation, efficiency and waste reduction,” said Arran Stephens, President and Founder of Nature’s Path Organic Foods. “The new EnviroBox™ is a natural move for us as a leader and innovator in our industry. If there are ways for us to reduce our packaging without compromising product quality or consumer value, we will always strive to be the first to bring it into the marketplace."

..With no reduction of cereal for the consumer (same net weight, just 10 percent less packaging), the conversion has numerous advantages for the environment including:

Saturday, May 19, 2007

"Organic Valley is now offering its Shelf Stable Single Serve Milk in organic Strawberry and Vanilla flavors.

"Kids and families are on the go year-round, but especially in the summer," said Sara Tedeschi, community nutrition educator for Organic Valley. "When you're out and about, finding healthy food and drink choices can be a challenge. Fortunately, with shelf stable Organic Valley single serve milk, you can take nutritious organic milk with you pretty much anywhere, with no refrigeration necessary."

I'm assuming they decided on those flavors because of popularity. Either that or they are trying to compete with Horizon who already offers chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and plain single serve milks. Of course, the difference between Horizon and Organic Valley is one company is actually organic and the other probably isn't.

"Nutritional value and cost usually have an inverse relationship, the outcome of which is quite obvious. And although there's a growing number of farmer's markets that accept EBT cards, most food stamp recipients purchase cheap food in big grocery stores. Rebecca Blood has been thinking about this, and she decided to undertake a one-month challenge with her husband, during which they would buy food strictly within the USDA's food stamp budget. But it doesn't stop there -- that challenge was recently completed by the governor of Oregon -- they planned to eat according to the same food standards they normally keep. Their eating habits fairly well match those of the first population mentioned above, so this is where the real challenge lies. They would keep their CSA box coming, continue shopping at the same groceries, and prepare their meals from scratch at home as always."

• Corn gluten meal, a byproduct of corn milling that can be used on the lawn for pre-emergent control of crab grass, dandelions and other weeds. It works by preventing seeds from germinating, so timing is critical.

• BurnOut II, a weed and grass killer made from vinegar, clove oil and other ingredients. It's good for spot-treating weeds in sidewalk cracks, mulched beds and fence lines.

• Blended fertilizers such as Re-Vita, made by Hartville's Ohio Earth Food Inc., and fertilizers made by Espoma (Plant-tone, Holly-tone, Bulb-tone, Rose-tone, etc.). These are blends of natural ingredients combined to provide a complete plant food. They contain trace elements that result in tastier food crops and healthier plants.

• Insecticidal soap. This product kills a number of soft-bodied insects, including aphids, mealybugs, mites, earwigs and grasshoppers, but it must come in contact with the insect while it's still wet. It can be used on vegetables right up to harvest."

"..When you pick up a package of organic fertilizer or potting soil, you often see words like, "includes beneficial microbes" or "contains mycorrihizae," a fungus that is the botanical equivalent to, say, yogurt's acidophilus, an intestinal-friendly bacteria. Ironically, many customers at our nursery think they get more for their money with synthetic fertilizers. It's easy to understand: Compare the NPK content - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content - of synthetic fertilizers with organic ones and you see huge differences: 19-19-19 vs. 4-4-4, say.

However, organic fertilizers are less wasteful at delivering nutrients to plants because they exploit the fabulous efficiency of the natural microbial system. This is science mimicking nature. Soil has been performing this biological sleight of hand for eons, honing it to perfection."

"SALES of organic food products in Brunei Darussalam is expected to increase in less than five years' time, but current trends suggest that most consumers are still unaware of the health benefits of organic food, a manager of an international organic food product company said.

The consumption of organic food products will start to pick up in Brunei. The share of Asian food market is currently not even one per cent while in Europe, fresh organic food accounts for 25 per cent of the market, Jean-Francois Torrelle, manager of Alce Nero Asia Pte Ltd told The Brunei Times yesterday.

Speaking during a cooking demonstration using organic products at Nakhoda Ragam Vocational School, he said that organic food products were first introduced in Brunei about three years ago, but consumers are not aware of organic food which is naturally grown without chemicals or pesticides."

"Socially concerned investors, who filed a shareholder proposal with Dean Foods, today again questioned the company's management at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders in Dallas as its marquee organic brand faces increasing competitive pressures and a consumer backlash over its reliance on factory-farm milk production. Investors believe the large-scale dairy operations are damaging the image of Dean's Horizon Organic brand and watering down shareholder value."

Thursday, May 17, 2007

"This proposed rule proposes to amend the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) regulations to enact recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) during public meetings held May 6-8, 2002, in Austin, Texas, and March 27-29, 2007, in Washington, DC. Consistent with the NOSB recommendations, this proposed rule proposes to add 38 substances, along with any restrictive annotations, to the National List regulations."

"The USDA has announced a proposal to allow 38 new non-organic ingredients in products bearing the "USDA Organic Seal". Most of the ingredients are food colorings derived completely from plants that are not yet available in an organic form. But a few of the proposed ingredients have raised the concerns of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and other leading organics experts.

Specifically, the OCA disagrees with allowing conventionally grown hops to be used in beers labeled as "organic". Also, the USDA would like to allow the use of conventionally raised factory-farmed animal intestines as casing for sausages labeled as "organic". The public comment period on these additions is only 7 days, so take action now."

Whenever I used to see the certified organic seal, I would automatically trust the product, but now I'm not so sure. The USDA has made making plenty of shady moves lately. Looks like Eden Foods was right.

Here's a little advice for cutting down on organic costs from a Kansas newspaper:"It's easy to cut down on grocery costs when buying organic foods. Besides starting a herb and vegetable garden (I have one in big pots), drastically omit nearly all red meat, which is probably your highest financial food outlay. Red meat and especially most lunch meats are also your largest contributors of saturated fats (butter, cream, whole milk and cheese are the others). When you do have meat, use it lightly, only once or twice a week, and make it lean in all meals. Also, mix it up. Use half organic and half the usual. It's cheaper and you won't get as many chemicals you don't want. Don't skimp on health. It's the best money you spend."

"The Sri Lankan government plans to increase investments in promoting organic agriculture in the next three years with the aim of earning over five billion dollars through exports by 2010, officials said Thursday.

The government has allocated a total of 62 million dollars, starting with 17 million dollars this year, 25 million dollars in 2008 and 20 million in 2009, to promote organic products, Minister of Information Anura Yapa said.

Kraft is the last company people think of when the word "organic" comes to mind, but it looks like the food giant is ready to change that. Enter Kraft Organics. (We all knew about organic Oreos for a while so it's not much of a surprise.)

Now shoppers will be able to find fully organic or partially organic versions of Yuban coffee, Wheat-Thins (made with organic flour), Ritz (made with organic flour), Chips Ahoy! (made with organic flour), three different flavors of salad dressing, Cheddar and White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, Honey Bunches of Oats, Grape-nuts, Seattle's Best Coffee, and Planters Cashews and Nut Selections. Quite a variety of products, right? (I have also seen their organic string cheese and American slices in the dairy section.)

What am I most excited about? Probably the Grape-nuts. I can't help it.. I love them. (I stopped eating them because they weren't organic, but now I don't have to worry.)

I wonder if people will buy into this or if they will opt for the cheaper, conventional versions?

"Horizon Organic® invites students who are pursuing degrees in organic milk production and alternative veterinary science to apply for a brand-new scholarship program.

As an extension of its dairy farmer education and information efforts under the Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) program, Horizon Organic will award annual scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. They will be awarded to selected farm family members participating in the HOPE program (currently shipping milk to Horizon Organic) and working towards a degree in agriculture or veterinary science that will later be used within the organic industry.

"Our HOPE program has been around since 2001 with a focus on converting more dairy farm operations and their land to organic production and sustainable farm management practices. We are delighted to add the scholarship program because it is a natural extension of our efforts to nurture the future of the organic community,” says Kelly Shea, vice president, industry relations and organic stewardship, Horizon Organic. “We need young, bright people to be personally engaged and passionate about this business from farm to fork."

"Organix-South, manufacturer of herbal body care products and herbal supplements under the brand names TheraNeem and TheraVeda, announced today their partnership with Nisarga Biotech, an India based company that produces high quality, organic supercritical extracts. Together, the two companies purchased the Umbari Organic Farm, located a few hours east of Bombay, which received the prestigious EcoCert certification last winter."

"Booming sales of organic, fairtrade and premium food ranges have helped profits at Sainsbury's leap by 42 per cent to £380 million.

Britain's third biggest supermarket chain said its sales were up more than £1.2 billion, or just under six per cent, to £18.5 billion.

The better than expected figures are the latest indication of a turnaround engineered by chief executive Justin King after a series of management blunders and the extraordinary strength of Tesco drove Sainsbury's to its first ever loss in 2004."

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

"Apple Rush division last week passed both its Organic and Kosher Certification inspections, allowing all its pre-sold orders to be released.

Apple Rush Company personnel recently sampled Apple Rush at the All Things Organic (ATO) Trade Show in Chicago May 6-8. The heavily attended show was running concurrent with Grocery industry’s FMI and United Produce Shows, as well as the Spring Fancy Food Show, where buyers from all channels crowded the booth and showed major interest in both the bottle and the forthcoming can line. With Apple Rush Company’s beverages now fully credentialed, all doors are open to the expanding product line. The company’s personnel saw that full potential at the ATO Show with buyers from large and smaller regional grocery, natural and specialty food chains agreeing to take the line on now. The company also received unexpected interest from foodservice buyers, both in the U.S. and overseas."

"Children should have organic, healthy meals provided for them in schools, P.E.I.'s Green party said Tuesday.

Green party interim leader Sharon Labchuk promised to provide all schools on the Island with kitchens staffed by local people, cooking meals from scratch using local organic food. A Green government would also ban junk food in schools.

"Growing children need adequate nourishment to not only maintain health, but to be able to learn," Labchuk said in a news release."

"Listed sharemarket minnow Certified Organics has secured another $500,000 deal with the South Australian Government to provide organic herbicide.

The pine extract-based BioSeed Eradicator is used to kill seeds from the aggressive branched broomrape, which are buried under the water.

CER says Broomrape is considered to be one of the world's most devastating weeds as it has no ability to generate its own food and survives by sucking nutrients out of a host plant, leading to high levels of crop loss. The company says its herbicide does not harm earthworms or soil and breaks down into a naturally occurring oxide within days of application."

"The IGA supermarket wholesaler of Quebec, Sobeys, hopes they can rely on organic food. In the next two and a half years, says Laurier Cloutier, they are going to double their number of Rachelle-Bery healthy Spice shops. Last Wednesday Sobeys-IGA came out with its new organic food market concept. President Marc Poulain assured the press that it’s a prototype which will be under development in the coming months.

The Sobeys chain bought the small Rachelle Bery network last year. At the time there were five of their spice shops in Montreal."

"A study from the University of Granada in Spain that analyzed the presence of organochlorine pesticides in pregnant women found that all the participants showed placental traces of at least one pesticide. More alarmingly, on average, the women were contaminated with eight different pesticides.

Organochlorine pesticides fall into a group of chemical compounds known as persistent organic pollutants. They are present in the environment in food, biomass, soil and water. They cannot be assimilated and tend accumulate in the fatty parts of the body.

Exposure to organochlorine pesticides has been linked to various malformations in the genitals and urinary systems of offspring. The most common effects of exposure in the womb are cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) and hypospadias (a total fusion of the urethral folds) in male infants."

This is a very troublesome article. A lot of women probably don't even think about pesticides when they are pregnant.. (It always makes me CRAZY to see pregnant women wiht colored hair or buying/drinking soda.)

The popularity of Whole Foods is starting to make grocery stores like Hannaford and Shaw's sweat a little. In an attempt to compete with Whole Foods, both markets will be adding to their organic departments.

"Hannaford Bros., for instance, recently sought and received certification as an organic retailer from Quality Assurance International, an independent agency that oversees a program that ensures that stores meet organic guidelines. Hannaford is the first traditional supermarket chain to gain certification, and it now offers more than 3,500 natural or organic products, about 10 percent of the store's products. Most of the products are distributed among conventional brands rather than relegated to a separate aisle.

New and remodeled Shaw's stores will have more room devoted to that chain's Wild Harvest line of natural and organics, part of the chain's effort to present itself as the place for "premium fresh and healthy" food."

"Kashi Company, the premier natural food company, today announced the introduction of KashiTM Granola, a cereal that features an all-natural blend of delicious fruits, nuts and seven whole grains. While Kashi has developed a comprehensive family of all-natural foods including cereal, bars, crackers and whole grain cookies, this is Kashi’s first granola cereal.

“Our granola cereal was created for the individual who wants to eat a great-tasting granola with equally great nutrition. Many granolas currently on the market taste great, but do not deliver the seven whole grains and Omega-3 found in KashiTM Granola,” said Jeff Johnson, senior brand manager and nutritionist for Kashi. “We saw the opportunity to create a seven whole grain granola cereal that tastes great.”

In addition to its great taste, each serving of KashiTM Granola delivers powerful nutrition with 300 mg ALA Omega-3, plus an excellent source of fiber and over two full servings of whole grains.(a) Kashi also uses other all-natural ingredients such as golden honey, maple, and ground spices while avoiding preservatives and unnecessary additives."

..With four scrumptious varieties -- Peach, Blueberry, Strawberry and Vanilla -- you can get your whole grains and live active cultures along with great flavor and creamy texture. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying treat!"

At Whole Foods, I think the price is $1.29 for each cup which is high considering the other organic yogurts are below a dollar. Nice product though!

Monday, May 14, 2007

"Saskatchewan’s organic sector is getting a boost with the expansion of a successful financing program for exporters.

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) is providing $1 million in targeted support for companies exporting organic or natural branded agricultural products through the nextrade program.

The nextrade finance initiative is administered by STEP – the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership. The program provides customized financing solutions for small and medium-sized exporters in the province. Basically, it gives companies the ability to grow larger by providing flexible financing to cover the costs of doing business abroad, such as the input costs required to fill a large order."

"Smell that?" he says. "We don't use broccoli stems. We use broccoli florets, the highest grade."

Next it's on to the carrots, which are deep orange.

"See the color?" he asks proudly. "That's as good as it gets."

There are many people who would say the same thing about Cohen's "holistic" pet foods, which the rail thin, white-bearded chiropractor-turned-pet nutrition guru has carefully formulated, using only certified-organic and "human-grade" vegetables and herbs."

"The UN's FAO held a conference in Rome last week on Organic Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

The aim was to shed light on the contribution of organic agricultural methods in preserving food security, identify its potential and the conditions needed for its success.

It is estimated that the world's population will increase from six billion to nine billion by 2050, calling for a massive increase in food production to feed the additional mouths.

But Angela Caudle, executive director of IFOAM, said prior to the meeting that food security is not just a matter of production figures. Issues such as war, climate change, disasters and inequality also have a large bearing."

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Many of you may know Eden Foods for their great variety of organic products. They have been offering everything from dried fruit to seasoned beans since 1969. Many of you may also notice none of their products bear the USDA certified organic seal. Eden took the opportunity to explain why they said no to the seal in June 2006:

"Though all EDEN organic food is grown, handled, processed, and certified in a way that meets and exceeds the requirements for using the 'USDA Organic' seal, Eden Foods chooses not to use this seal on its product labels or marketing materials.

Many reasonably ask how Eden came to this decision. The short answer is, this seal does not approach Eden's high standards for organic, in practice or in spirit.

Years before the implementation of the National Organic Program (USDA's NOP) in October of 2002, Eden got word in 1992 that a national standard for organic was underway. In theory it seemed like a good idea, but early on we had serious concerns.

Petitioning the NOP several times in the rule drafting process, Eden asked that the new national organic standards be a strong minimum standard, allowing growers and companies to certify to a higher standard. The answer was an adamant No: the USDA intended to set one minimum organic standard, it would not allow higher standards to be certified, and total control would lie with USDA."

I can see why they passed on the seal, but I wonder if people pass on their products because of the lack of that little label? (Personally, I love their beans, buy Eden items, and respect their decision so no problem here.)

"The market for organically-grown banana in Japan is growing but exporters are not happy because the appreciation of the peso against the dollar has reduced their earnings by at least P27 per box at present exchange rates, a local industry leader said.

"Days after a state consumer protection agency warned Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to clean up discrepancies in labeling of organic products on shelves, the retail giant issued updated guidelines to its employees.

The rebuke from the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection follows a three-month investigation into allegations that the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer was misleading consumers in the state by incorrectly labeling on shelves some foods as organic.

Although no fines or penalties were assessed, the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection Director James Rabbitt told Sustainable Food News that agency inspectors follow "a progressive enforcement model" and will continue to monitor the retailer's labeling practices to ensure continued compliance."

"After years of being in short supply, organic milk is expected to flood the U.S. market as a regulation change and higher margins push more dairy farmers to produce it.

The dairy industry is expecting organic milk supply to surge by at least 40 percent this year from a previous annual growth rate of 20 percent, creating an excess of 25 million gallons, according to some estimates.

Meanwhile, consumer demand for organic milk will continue to grow at 25 percent annually, leading some industry experts to predict that a retail promotion war is imminent.

U.S. dairy processors and distributors like Dean Foods, Stonyfield Farm and Organic Valley, a dairy farmers' cooperative that sells to retail grocery chain Whole Foods Market and others, are welcoming the news because it provides an opportunity to expand the market and offer more organic milk-based products.

"The oversupply situation is going to result in a pretty competitive marketplace," said Molly Keveney, a spokeswoman for Dean, which owns the best-selling Horizon Organic brand of milk. "Until last year we were in a supply constraint situation. We weren't innovating at all."

"An organic food fight is set to erupt early next month when America's greenest retail giant opens its doors in the UK.

Whole Foods Market, the $7bn (£3.5bn) behemoth of the wheatgerm world, has created an 80,000sqft foodie extravaganza in London over three floors of the former Barkers department store in Kensington High Street.

More outlets will follow in the capital and across the UK, as the US natural food chain tries to cash in on Britain's £13bn-a-year posh food addiction.

Fuelled by the sight of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow trotting home from farmers' markets, our obsession with quality, locally sourced and preferably organic food has soared. IGD, the grocery industry think-tank, estimates the premium food market will be worth about £20bn by 2011."

"When Joe Bernstein meets friends for a dinner out, he knows ahead of time that there will be nothing on the menu for him to eat.

"They do accommodate me, though," he says. "I just ask for a dish of sliced avocado."

You could say Bernstein is mad about fruit. He is a fruitarian, or frugivore, and he adheres to a lifestyle that is a niche within a subset of vegetarianism. Bernstein, who lives in New York City, eats only raw fruit, a diet that includes some nuts and non-sweet fruit like avocado and tomato. A typical day's meals may include sunflower seeds with a few servings of fruit, such as pears or plums, for breakfast; a coconut shake with bananas for lunch; and Brazil nuts with tomatoes and avocado for dinner.

"I'm not too elaborate in the kitchen," Bernstein says. "I usually just eat whole pieces of fruit to keep it simple."

I think I could easily become a fruitarian, but I would worry about getting all of the necessary nutrients like protein. You can read more about the life of a fruitarian at Robert Dyckman's blog.

Celebrity stylist Elizabeth Alvillar couldn't take the harsh chemicals that her work involved, but Alvillar loved her job and decided to find a way to make it healthier for herself and her clients by creating Isvara Organics.

"I could shop at health food stores, but the [cosmetics] products were not of salon quality," she said.

When her son, now 14, went into a diabetic coma, she decided she would change her life if he survived. He did, and she kept her promise.

She cut back her hours, commuting to Carlsbad to work four days a month at La Costa, an exclusive spa that kept the paparazzi out. She moved to Capitola and got a business permit to set up a lab to create her own blend of cosmetics without synthetic chemicals. Her products include shampoo, conditioner, hair coloring, skin care, lotions and makeup. Her company, Isvara Organics, is named for the Sanskrit word for creator.

"..I love her shampoos and her conditioner," Branagan said. "You smell the smell. It's incredible the way it washes your hair. And it's not any more expensive"

She is well-aware of the concern about chemicals from hair, skin and other beauty products.

"Everything you use absorbs into your skin," she pointed out.

Still, she's not a total convert. She hasn't switched to organic makeup and she doesn't carry Isvara products at Warmth Co."

"For those who want to still a nagging voice that tells them to stop eating pre-packaged foods, a Saturday morning trip to Saengerfest Park might help — and pack some health benefits to boot.

Spring is here and that means fresh fruit and vegetables at The Historic Downtown Galveston Farmers Market.

The event has been happening at the park on periodic Saturdays since November, but mostly featured baked goods and crafts.

Now on each second Saturday of the month, the open-air market will feature locally and regionally grown organic produce. Because people are getting the message about the benefits of organic vegetables, the Farmers Market is growing and now features 20 vendors."

After years of teasing Utahns with such titillating beer labels as Chasing Tail and Captain Bastard, Squatters is going natural. Now on tap is Squatters Organic Amber Ale, the state's first and only certified organic beer. The ale is brewed from organic pale and caramel malted barley and aromatic hops. The taste, says brewmaster Jenny Talley, is a caramel-like maltiness with a hint of sweetness. Organic certification requires high levels of cleanliness and sanitation that already were in place, said Talley. But it also requires strict segregation of ingredients "from grain to glass."

It's so funny to see news stories about organic alcohol because the reporter always ends with "But it IS alcohol so moderation is still key." I really hope people wouldn't be dumb enough to think "Hey! It's organic, so that means it's good for me and I can drink as much as I want!"

Friday, May 11, 2007

"U.S. consumers want and need country of origin labels on food. Recent food poisoning scandals, linked to contaminated pet, pork and poultry food ingredients from China, along with tainted produce and seafood, have taken away many Americans' appetites for cheap imported foods.

Although polls indicate that the overwhelming majority – 82 percent – of Americans want to know where our food is coming from, Big Food and Washington bureaucrats have united to deny us this right.

Lobbyists for corporate agribusiness such as the American Farm Bureau; giant food manufacturers such as Cargill, Smithfield and Con-Agra; and supermarket chains have handed over millions of dollars to an industry-indentured Congress to keep us in the dark about the “country of origin” of the hundreds of billions of dollars of foods we buy every year in supermarkets or consume in restaurants."

As consumers, we deserve this kind of common courtesy. We buy your products and you tell us where they came from. Organic Valley is just one organic company that can tell you exactly where your food came from. Hopefully, the food industry will be forced to tell their customers the truth.

It's too bad things like this have to happen. Companies need to be more careful. Of course, incidents like this always cast a shadow over organic products and companies. If the media responds to this story (sometimes they completely pass over recalls and then other times they blow them out of proportion) every reporter will probably say "Is organic really safe? Is organic bad? Blah blah blah." Oh well, just as long as everyone is okay!

"The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to process a multitude of opposing comments on its proposal to introduce products from cloned animals into the nation's food chain, which reveal that industry, scientists and consumers remain split on the controversial issue.

The public comment period on the proposal closed last week, already a month later than the original date set.

The FDA's announcement of its cloned food plan at the start of the year set off a fierce debate on the safety and ethics of the proposal, and the agency has since received a flood of responses to its invitation for public comments.

Consumer advocacy and public interest groups have been particularly vocal about their opposition to the new technology, and consumer polls have reveled that the majority (two-thirds) of the American public remains skeptical of the food production process. In turn, increasing numbers of food producers have responded to these consumer concerns, announcing that their products will remain 'clone-free' if the technology is eventually approved."

Thursday, May 10, 2007

"In a case that could reverberate through the county, a judge has ordered a farming service company to temporarily stop spraying pesticides that an organic farmer says are moving with the fog onto his field and destroying his crop.

Organic Jacobs Farms is suing Western Farm Services, a Fresno company that provides and applies pesticides for conventional farmers. The suit, filed by Larry Jacobs, seeks to stop the spraying of pesticides that could travel to his field and an unspecified amount of money to cover the crops he says he lost. The farmer who owns the conventional field is not named in the suit.

The pesticides apparently were applied correctly and did not blow onto the organic field, which would be illegal. Instead, all involved think they were picked up by fog, which can turn pesticides into liquid and carry them off days after they were sprayed."

Organic foods' share of total retail sales of food and beverages was about 3 percent, up from 1.9 percent in 2003 and approximately 2.5 percent in 2005. Sales in 2005 were $13.8 billion.

About 31 percent of overall organic sales in 2006 were through mainstream supermarkets/grocery stores, and 24 percent were through the leading natural food supermarket chains such as Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and Trader Joe's.

Another 22 percent of all organic sales were through independent, small chain natural grocery stores. Foodservice sales still represent a small fraction of total organic sales at 3 percent of overall organic product sales, OTA said."

"Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Markets Inc. acknowledged in its earnings announcement Wednesday that members of the Federal Trade Commission may have issues with a proposed $671 million acquisition of Boulder-based Wild Oats Markets Inc.

"Although the FTC has not yet decided whether to challenge the Wild Oats transaction, members of the FTC staff have voiced concerns regarding perceived anticompetitive effects resulting from the proposed tender offer and merger," the company said in a statement."